Warner Bros. is reportedly swinging for the fences when it comes to The Joker.
Not only has the studio entered negotiations with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese about the possibility of producing the “super dark” origin movie, one which Todd Phillips (The Hangover) would direct, but we’re now learning that the studio’s brass has targeted none other than Leonardo DiCaprio for the gig.
Details are scarce, and it’s unclear how WB plans to incorporate DiCaprio into the mix if The Joker is to be an origin story involving the Clown Prince of Crime, but sources close to the nascent project now suggest Warner Bros. wants DiCaprio or another big-name star to play the Joker as “a gritty crime boss in a Scorsese-esque Gotham underworld.” Where do we sign up?
It’s worth keeping in mind that, should a deal place, this would be the Oscar-winner’s first true foray into the realm of comic book movies, and there is perhaps no other person who could break the duck than Martin Scorsese. To date, the formidable creative duo has collaborated five times: The Aviator, Gangs of New York, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. Could The Joker be the sixth?
THR’s report does caution that “the chances of landing DiCaprio could be slim to none.” If nothing else, like the Bat-Signal illuminating the night sky above Gotham City, this alleged casting hunt does send a signal to the rest of the industry that, yes, when it comes to its fledgling DC banner, Warner Bros. means business.
Birthed outside the confines of the DCEU, and therefore largely unrelated to the likes of Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Justice League, word is that WB hopes to launch a series of “auteur-driven” projects centering on some of the most iconic characters in the business.
The Joker is still simmering in the formative stages of development, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on this project – including DiCaprio’s potential involvement in it – as more details begin to emerge. For now, though, you can share your preliminary thoughts and reactions to THR’s scoop via the comments section.
